Method and apparatus for testing of the downhole connector electrical system during installation

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are methods and devices for testing downhole connector electrical systems and cable integrity during installation of a permanent completion, including a customized retrievable plug arm assembly connectable to the completion during RIH, the tool mimicking a retrievable ESP, but without motor, and can be employed with or without pressure isolation. Another method employs a slidable starpoint located within the downhole wet mate connector of the completion to provide continuous electrical contact between the phases when no retrievable assembly is in place. When a retrievable assembly is later put in place, the slidable starpoint is moved into a second position that no longer provides electrical contact between the phases. Another method uses fusible links installed between two conductors within the downhole electrical connector system of the completion to provide similar electrical contact between phases, the fusible link configured to melt away once motor current is sent through the conductors.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation patent application of copending U.S.Application Serial No. 16685898 filed Nov. 15, 2019, Confirmation No.4990, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Testing of the DownholeConnector Electrical System During Installation,” now U.S. Pat. No.11572743 issuing Feb. 7, 2023, which in turn claims the benefit of thefiling date of and priority to: U.S. Provisional Application Serial No.62/768,037 filed Nov. 15, 2018, Confirmation No. 1013 and is acontinuation in part of U.S. Nonprovisional Pat. Application Serial No.15408336 filed on Jan. 17, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 11105160 which inturn claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. Application 62279757entitled “Low Profile, Pressure Balanced, Oil Expansion CompensatedDownhole Electrical Connector System” filed Jan. 16, 2016. Theseapplications are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to permanent downholeelectrical connector systems installed onto a permanent completion use,e.g., with ESP applications. The present disclosure also relatesgenerally to methods and tools for testing cable integrity, monitoringpermanent downhole connecting system and motor condition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrical submersible pump (ESP) systems require connection to anelectric power supply, which drives the motor (not specific to motortype). Conventional ESPs typically use electrical connectors that areassembled manually-these are simple plug and socket type connections,which must be fitted in a controlled environment.

In a conventional ESP application (tubing deployed ESP), the electricalpower is supplied to the electric motor from a surface variable speeddrive (VSD) via an ESP cable. The ESP cable is installed onto theproduction tubing during the ESP installation and it is normallyterminated in a motor lead extension (MLE) which incorporates a pothead.The pothead is connected to the motor during the installation. The ESPsystem is installed on the end of the tubing, hence the term “tubingdeployed ESP”.

In case of a retrievable ESP system, such as those offered by AccessESP,a permanent completion is installed and then the ESP cable is installedonto the production tubing and onto the ESP permanent completion and itconnects to the permanent downhole wet connector (fixed end). The motorand pump system is typically deployed inside the production tubing usingslickline (SL) and the electrical connection to the permanent completionis performed at depth. The electrical power is transferred to the motorthrough the retrievable connector (plug head), when the retrievableconnector is connected to the permanent downhole wet connector.

During the ESP installation, it is desirable to monitor the condition ofthe ESP cable and the downhole equipment by taking repeated electricalmeasurement at the ESP cable end at surface. The measurement providesinformation about the condition of the cable/ motor winding conductor(conductor resistance) and the cable/motor insulation (the insulationresistance).

The requirement for an ESP cable testing and the downhole equipmentcondition monitoring while deploying the permanent completion has led todeveloping several test methods. Any of the methods described herein maybe utilized, depending on the well environmental and operationalconditions and/or the installation requirements.

Most commonly, in the through tubing ESP applications, the ESP cable andthe permanent downhole connector system integrity test may be conductedsimilar to conventional ESP systems. In a conventional ESP system, lowto medium test voltage is applied to the free end of the ESP cableconductor at surface and the insulation resistance is measured throughthe armour (ground) repeatedly during the installation.

The difference between the conventional and the through tubing deployedESP systems is that, because the retrievable assembly is not installedin the string while deploying the permanent completion, the condition ofthe cable/motor winding (copper conductor continuity and resistance) andthe motor insulation (insulation resistance) integrity cannot bemonitored.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a variety of methods and equipmentdeveloped for testing the ESP cable integrity, and for monitoring thepermanent downhole wet connector and motor condition during thepermanent completion installation.

In one aspect, a method of testing downhole electrical cableinstallation with a retrievable assembly includes connecting, theretrievable assembly to a permanent downhole connector while a permanentcompletion is within a predefined range and deploying one or morecompletions to a user defined depth. Electrical measurements arecollected during run in hole (RIH), whenever a pre-determined intervalis reached. One or more of a condition of a motor winding, a conditionof permanent downhole connector and a motor insulation integrity aremonitored, through the collected electrical measurement.

In another aspect, a method of testing downhole electrical cableinstallation with a retrievable electrical plug arm assembly includescustomizing the retrievable electrical plug arm assembly in associationwith a permanent completion and connecting, through a mechanicalconnection, the retrievable electrical plug arm assembly to a permanentdownhole connector. The permanent downhole connector is one of pressureisolated and not pressure isolated. Further, when the permanent downholeconnector is not pressure isolated, one or more of a motor guide,finishing neck, and the retrievable electrical plug arm assembly areconnected. When the permanent downhole connector is pressure isolated,mechanical connection is sealed with one or more sealing packs. Further,electrical measurements are collected, during run in hole (RIH),whenever a pre-determined interval is reached. The collected electricalmeasurements are used to monitor one or more of a conductor resistance,a cable insulation resistance, and a condition of permanent downholeconnector.

In yet another aspect, a method of testing downhole electrical cableinstallation includes associating an apparatus with a slider of adownhole permanent wet mate connector. The apparatus is used to providea continuous electrical contact between one or more phases in an absenceof a retrievable assembly. A conductor resistance is measured betweenone or more phases through a cable conductor from a surface while one ofrun in hole and pull out of hole at a predefined depth. When aretrievable assembly is deployed, the continuous electrical contact isdeactivated by pushing away the permanent wet mate connector, by a plughead, from an electrical contact area associated with electrodes. Whenthe retrievable assembly is removed, the plug head is disconnected toreturn the permanent downhole wet mate connector, through a springforce, to reactivate the continuous electrical contact.

In another aspect, a method of testing downhole electrical cableinstallation includes creating a common connection point for one or morephases through a fusible element connected to the permanent downholeconnector wire conductor. The fusible element is placed between two ormore phases. One or more of a cable conductor continuity, resistancebetween two or more phases, and insulation resistance of theinstallation while in RIH at a predefined depth are tested. The fusibleelement is configured for an amount of current flowing through thepermanent downhole connector wire conductor. The amount of current willmelt the fusible element when a motor associated with downholeelectrical cable installation is operated. The common connection pointis deactivated for the one or more phases when the fusible elementmelts.

One embodiment discloses a wet mate electrical connector forinstallation on a downhole permanent completion assembly, the wet mateelectrical connector capable of connecting to a retrievable tool femaleconnector. The wet mate electrical connector further comprises a housingmanifold having a first closed end, a second open end, an interiorchamber, and interior guide tracks extending perpendicularly from thehousing manifold second open end into the interior chamber. One or moreelectrodes are contained within the housing. Each electrode defining aphase and further comprising an outer surface, a first electrode endproximate the housing manifold first end and connectable, via a powerlead connection located in the housing manifold first end, to a separateelectrical power lead extending from a surface electrical power source.Each electrode also has a second electrode end section extending out ofthe housing manifold second end, the second electrode end sectioncontaining an electrical block band contact area located around theelectrode outer surface, the electrical contact band capable oftransmitting electrical signals to a corresponding electrical contactband in a female connector once connected thereto.

The wet mate electrical connector further comprises a retractableelectrode housing having a first end slidably connected to and extendinginto the housing manifold second end and a second retractable electrodehousing end extending out of the housing manifold to cover theelectrodes. The retractable electrode housing further comprises one ormore guide tracks slidably connected to the housing manifold interiorguide tracks to guide the movement of the retractable electrode housingwithin the housing manifold. The retractable electrode housing iscapable of moving between a first closed position covering theelectrodes, and a second open position when retracted into the housingmanifold. The retractable electrode housing second end has an electrodeend face comprising one or more apertured openings permitting the one ormore electrode second end sections to extend therethrough when theretractable electrode housing moves inwardly into the second, openposition within the housing manifold. The retractable electrode housingfurther comprises a shoulder stop capable of abutting a mechanical stopbuilt into the housing manifold to set a fixed position for the firstclosed position of the retractable electrode housing.

The wet mate electrical connector further comprises a slidable metalcommon connection starpoint contact block mounted within the retractableelectrode housing and having one or more apertured openings permittingthe one or more electrode second end sections to extend therethrough.The slidable metal common connection starpoint contact block is capableof occupying a first position contacting at least a part of each of theelectrical contact bands of each of the one or more electrodes to createa bridge contact across all of the one or more electrode contact bandswhen the retractable electrode housing is in its first position coveringthe electrodes. The slidable metal common connection starpoint contactblock is capable of occupying a second retracted position within theretractable electrode housing not contacting any of the electricalcontact bands of each of the one or more electrodes to disconnect thebridge contact across all of the one or more electrodes, when theretractable electrode housing is in its second, retracted position.

An insulated cover surrounds and is secured to the slidable metal commonconnection, and further comprises a corresponding one or more aperturedopenings aligned with the slidable metal common connection starpointcontact block apertured openings to permit the one or more electrodes topass therethrough. One or more sealing elements are positioned on bothsides of the electrical contact bands of each of the one or moreelectrodes to seal off the area of each electrical contact band fromintrusion by wellbore fluid.

One or more springs are mounted over each of the one or more electrodes,positioned between the insulated cover and the housing manifold firstclosed end, the springs tensioned to maintain the retractable electrodehousing in its first closed position in the absence of a connectionbeing made with the retrievable tool female connector, and to permit theretractable electrode housing to be moved to its second open positionwhen a connection is made with the retrievable tool female connector.

In this embodiment, when the retractable electrode housing is in itsfirst closed position in the absence of a connection being made with theretrievable tool female connector, the slidable metal common connectionstarpoint contact block occupies its first position permitting commoncontact across all of the contact bands of each of the one or moreelectrodes to permit monitoring for any change in continuity of the oneor more electrical power leads once connected to the respective one ormore power lead connections. When the retrievable tool female connectoris connected to the wet mate connector, the retractable electrodehousing is moved to its second open position, the slidable metal commonconnection starpoint contact block is moved to its second position, andthe contact bands of each of the one or more electrodes are permitted tomake electrical contact with corresponding one or more electricalcontact bands in the retrievable tool female connector. When theretrievable tool female connector is disconnected from the wet mateconnector, the retractable electrode housing is moved back to its first,closed position by the force of the sprints, the slidable metal commonconnection starpoint contact block again occupies its first positionpermitting common contact across all of the contact bands of each of theone or more electrodes to again permit monitoring for any change incontinuity of the one or more electrical power leads connected to therespective one or more power lead connections.

This wet mate connection embodiment may further comprise fluidcompensation with dielectric fluid within to further prevent well borefluid intrusion. For example, the wet mate connection may furthercomprise a first inside chamber within the housing manifold; a secondinside chamber with the retractable electrode housing; one or moreelectrical conduits having an internal annular space surrounding anelectrical wire/cable, a first conduit end and a second conduit end, thefirst conduit end being connected to one of the one or more power leadconnections located in the housing manifold, wherein the conduit annularspace is in fluid communication with the housing manifold first insidechamber and the retractable electrode housing second inside chamber anddefining a fluid flow path; a dielectric fluid port in fluidcommunication with the first inside chamber within the housing manifoldfor introducing a dielectric fluid into the fluid path, the dielectricfluid creating an internal fluid pressure; and a bellows having firstand second ends, and an interior annular chamber, the first bellows endbeing connected to the connector housing in fluid communication with thehousing inside chamber, the bellows second end being exposed to downholewellbore fluid pressure and capable of reacting to the wellbore pressureto cause the bellows to provide a compensating adjustment to theinternal fluid pressure.

In one embodiment, the wet mate electrical connector is installed on adownhole permanent completion assembly. The wet mate electricalconnector is capable of connecting with a retrievable tool such as aretrievable ESP assembly.

There is also disclosed a method of monitoring for any change incontinuity of conductors in electrical power leads connected to a wetmate connector on a downhole permanent completion comprising the stepsof: installing a wet mate connector on the downhole permanent completionemploying the slidable starpoint feature described herein; running thepermanent completion in hole (RIH); measuring the conductor resistancebetween two of the phases through the power lead from the surface whileRIH; measuring the conductor resistance between two of the phasesthrough the power lead from the surface at a set depth; and/or measuringthe conductor resistance between two of the phases through the powerlead from the surface when pulling out of hole (POOH).

This method can further comprise the further steps of connecting theretrievable ESP assembly (or other retrievable tool) thereby moving theslidable metal common connection starpoint contact block to its secondposition and discontinuing such measuring of conductor resistance. Ifthe retrievable device is then disconnected, the slidable metal commonconnection starpoint contact block returns to its first position andmeasuring of conductor resistance can begin again.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is described acustomized downhole retrievable tool for monitoring changes incontinuity of conductors in electrical power leads connected to a wetmate connector on a downhole permanent completion, comprising: a tubularstructure having a lower end and an upper end, the tubular structurefurther comprising a mating unit at the lower end, a plug arm assemblycomprising a female connector assembly capable of connecting to a wetmate connector on a downhole permanent completion, and a plug armorienting section at the upper end. This customized downhole retrievabletool may further comprise an isolation sleeve. This tool can also beused in a method of monitoring for any change in continuity ofconductors in electrical power leads connected to a wet mate connectoron a downhole permanent completion comprising the steps of: installingthis customized downhole retrievable tool into the downhole completion;running the permanent completion in hole (RIH); measuring the conductorresistance between two conductor phases through a power lead from thesurface while RIH; measuring the conductor resistance between the twophases through the power lead from the surface at a set depth; and/ormeasuring the conductor resistance between the two phases through thepower lead from the surface when pulling out of hole (POOH). The methodcan further utilize the step of installing an isolation sleeve in thecustomized downhole retrievable tool.

In yet another embodiment, there is disclosed a wet mate electricalconnector for installation on a downhole permanent completion assembly,the wet mate electrical connector capable of connecting to a retrievabletool female connector. This wet mate electrical connector is similar instructure to the embodiment described herein using a a slidable metalcommon connection starpoint contact block feature, but does not comprisethis feature. This embodiment further comprises one or more fusiblelinks electrically connected across each of the one or more electrodeswithin the housing manifold, the fusible links forming a starpointconnection across all of the electrodes, the fusible links being capableof melting away once current is applied to the electrodes to disable thestarpoint bridge, the fusible links being housed within an insulatedcarrier. When the retrievable tool female connector is connected to thewet mate connector, the retractable electrode housing is moved to itssecond open position, and the contact bands of each of the one or moreelectrodes are permitted to make electrical contact with correspondingone or more electrical contact bands in the retrievable tool femaleconnector. The fusible links, while intact, create an electrical bridgeacross the electrode conductors to permit monitoring for any change incontinuity of conductors until current is applied through the powerleads. A method is also describe for monitoring for any change incontinuity of conductors in electrical power leads connected to a wetmate connector on a downhole permanent completion comprising the stepsof: installing wet mate electrical connector capable of connecting to aretrievable tool female connector, the wet mate electrical connectorfurther comprising fusible links as described herein; running thepermanent completion in hole (RIH); measuring the conductor resistancebetween two conductor phases through a power lead from the surface whileRIH; measuring the conductor resistance between the two phases throughthe power lead from the surface at a set depth; and/or measuring theconductor resistance between the two phases through the power lead fromthe surface when pulling out of hole (POOH).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a partial length of an exemplary permanentcompletion portion of a production tubing assembly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view generally depicting an exemplary standardretrievable ESP assembly.

FIG. 3 is a perspective cut-away view of a partial length of anexemplary permanent completion portion of a production tubing assemblyshown with a standard retrievable ESP assembly connected to the annularconnection port (also referred to herein as an ACP) connection sectionvia a permanent downhole electrical connector assembly.

FIG. 4 is a perspective cut-away view of a partial length of anexemplary permanent completion portion of a production tubing assemblyshown with a standard pressure isolation sleeve assembly installedtherein.

FIG. 5A shows a perspective enlarged view of an ACP connection section(such as in FIG. 3 ) without any retrievable ESP system connectedtherein.

FIG. 5B is another enlarged view of the ACP of FIG. 3 showing the wetmate connector and bellows compensator according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows the ACP connection section of FIG. 5A with a retrievableESP system therein just prior to the retrievable ESP system beingconnected.

FIG. 7 shows the ACP connection section of FIG. 6 with the retrievableESP system plug head connected made therein.

FIG. 8 is a perspective cut-away view of a partial length of a permanentcompletion portion of a production tubing assembly shown with acustom-built retrievable test plug arm assembly (without pressureisolation) connected to the permanent downhole ACP connector section viaa permanent downhole electrical connector assembly according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the custom-built retrievable test plugarm assembly (without pressure isolation) as in FIG. 8 according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a close up, partial sectional view of the custom-builtretrievable test plug arm assembly (without pressure isolation) shown inFIG. 9 .

FIG. 11 is a close up plan cross-sectional view taken from area 11 ofFIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 13 is a perspective cut-away view of a partial length of apermanent completion portion of a production tubing assembly shown witha custom-built retrievable test plug arm assembly (with pressureisolation) connected to the permanent downhole ACP connector section viaa permanent downhole electrical connector assembly according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 shows an enlarged view of the ends of the custom-builtretrievable test plug arm assembly (with pressure isolation) of FIG. 13according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the custom-built retrievable test plugarm assembly (with pressure isolation) as in FIG. 13 according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the custom-built retrievable test plugarm assembly (with pressure isolation) as in FIG. 13 according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 depicts cross-sectional segments along the length of thecustom-built retrievable test plug arm assembly (with pressureisolation) taken along lines 17-17 of FIG. 13 .

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a permanent downhole connectorsystem employing a starpoint connection according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 shows the connector system of FIG. 18 with its housing 218removed (for ease of viewing) and further shows a partialcross-sectional view removing the top half of the contact blockinsulator housing 264 (for ease of viewing).

FIG. 20A shows a top view of the connector system of FIG. 18 with itshousing 218 removed (for ease of viewing).

FIG. 20B shows a top view of the connector system of FIG. 20A furtherwith the top half of the electrical block band contact 266 removed (forease of viewing) and with the common electrical contact block 268removed (for ease of viewing).

FIG. 20C shows a top view of the connector system of FIG. 19 .

FIG. 21A shows a top view of a connector system employing a bellowsaccumulator 208 (with some partial cross-sectional views) with starpointconnection shown in a disconnected state just prior to being connectedto, e.g., retrievable assembly.

FIG. 21B shows a top view of the connector system of FIG. 21A (with somepartial cross-sectional views) with the starpoint connection shown in aconnected state after being connected to a retrievable assembly.

FIG. 22A shows a top view of a connector system employing a bellowsaccumulator 208 (with some partial cross-sectional views) with starpointconnection shown in a disconnected state just prior to being connectedto, e.g., a custom-built retrievable test plug arm assembly.

FIG. 22B shows a top view of the connector system of FIG. 22A (with somepartial cross-sectional views) such as generally shown in lines 21B-21Bof FIG. 7 with the starpoint connection shown in a connected state afterbeing connected to a custom-built retrievable test plug arm assembly.

FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of the wet mate connectoraccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 shows the wet mate connector of FIG. 23 in partial sectionalview along the bellows/accumulator system.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged plan view in partial sectional view of the wetmate connector taken along lines 25-25 of FIG. 12 .

FIG. 26 is an end cross-sectional view of the wet mate connector takenalong lines 26-26 of FIG. 23 .

FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of a permanent downhole connectorsystem (shown with part of top of housing manifold 218 removed for easeof viewing) employing a fusible link according to one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 shows the connector system of FIG. 27 with part of the topportion of insulating carrier 250 removed (for ease of viewing).

FIG. 29 shows a top view of the connector system of FIG. 28 with the topportion of insulating carrier 250 removed (for ease of viewing).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to the drawings which depict various embodimentsof the present disclosure, but are not drawn to scale.

In one or more embodiments, during an ESP installation, the condition ofESP cable and downhole equipment may be monitored by taking repeatedelectrical measurement at the ESP cable end at surface. The measurementprovides information about the condition of the cable/ motor windingconductor (conductor resistance) and the cable/ motor insulation (theinsulation resistance).

Several testing/monitoring options can be implemented in the throughtubing ESP application as will be discussed more fully below:

Method 1: This existing method employs electrical testing with theretrievable assembly installed (e.g., FIGS. 1-7 for a depiction of aretrievable assembly installed with standard installation). This methodis known in the art and continues to have utility. However, there existsa need to be able to measure cable continuity while RIH duringinstallation of the permanent completion and thereafter withoutemploying a retrievable ESP system.

Method 2: This new method involves electrical testing with a custom testplug arm assembly installed with or without pressure isolation (e.g.,FIGS. 8-17 ).

(3) Electrical testing through a built-in star-point in the permanentdownhole wet mate connector (e.g., FIGS. 18-22B).

(4) Electrical testing through a fusible link incorporated into thepermanent downhole connector (e.g., FIGS. 23-25 ).

All four test methods can be implemented for the though tubing ESPapplications. These methods (and associated structural components) arediscussed below.

FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a production tubing string assembly 100comprising upper production tubing section 114 which leads to surface(not shown) and a lower production tubing section 124. This is a generalview of a typical production tubing installation 100 of the permanentcompletion section of a retrievable ESP system. Production tubing 100further comprises an annular connection port (ACP) section 102 connectedbetween the upper and lower production tubing strings (114, 124). TheACP 102 annular connection port top level assembly employs a side pocketstyle wet connector system. An ESP cable 110 runs down the productiontubing assembly 100 from the surface to the ACP. The ESP cable 110 couldbe any style cable known in the art, including one or more individuallyprotected cable or cables embedded within a cable housing. A gas ventingcoupling 112 is employed to allow gas build-up from ESP system to escapeto the annulus. A shroud joint 104 is provided for retrievablecomponents of a retrievable ESP system. A cable protector split clamp106 is provided to fix and protect ESP and other cables going down theassembly. A centralizer coupling 108 is shown. A spacer joint 116 isshown to provide spacing for a B-profile coupling 118, a coupling withan internal B-profile to release the alignment pin on a retrievablesystem. A no-go coupling 120 is shown, and serves as a coupling with anundersized ID to provide a hard-stop for depth indication. Anotherspacer joint 122 spaces the no-go coupling 120 from the B-profilecoupling 118.

FIG. 2 generally depicts an exemplary standard retrievable ESP assembly300 comprising at one end a lower mating unit 316 for forming aretrievable system to pump connection. An industry standard motorprotector/seal section 314 is provided adjacent to the lower mating unit316 between the motor 312, such as a permanent magnet motor (PMM) orother suitable motor (e.g., brushless electrical motor), and a downholesensor system 310 connected adjacent to the PMM for downhole wellborefluid pressure, temperature and motor winding temperature and motorvibration measurement. A pressure balancing and connector section 308(pressure balance assembly) is provided to connect the motor and sensorsystem to the plug arm assembly 306 (e.g., to a pressure compensatedfemale connector system), which is in turn connected to the plug headassembly 304 (or female connector assembly). A plug arm orientingsection 302 is provided and includes the retrievable system orientingpin, the plug head release mechanism and the emergency release.

FIG. 3 depicts a partial length of a permanent completion portion of aproduction tubing assembly shown with a retrievable ESP assembly 300connected to the permanent downhole ACP connector section 200 viaconnecting the test female connector assembly 324 of the ESP assembly toa permanent downhole electrical connector assembly 202 of the ACPaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a partial length of an exemplary permanent completionportion of a production tubing assembly shown with a standard pressureisolation sleeve assembly 276 installed within the ACP 102. Isolationsleeve 276 may be deployed and latched into the ACP 102 using a latchingmechanism 340, such as a collet and latching profile, and allow fullworking pressure and the largest available inner diameter of inner bore278 for fluid flow within production tubing. Isolation sleeve 276 may bedeployed into the ACP 102 and may be landed on a tail pipe sectionconnected below the permanent downhole electrical connector assembly orwet connect mandrel (WCM) 202. For example, in typical configurationsthe WCM is characterized by a main tubular body 280 having an inner boreof a desired inner diameter, for example, in one embodiment having a4-½″ inner diameter. According to certain embodiments, isolation sleeve276 is characterized by a main tubular body 280 with an inner borehaving a 3.1″ inner diameter and approximately a length of 10 feet,while being pressure rated for up to 10,000 psi. The isolation sleeve276 latching mechanism 340 is capable of latching with the WCM latchingprofile so that the upper and lower seals 338, 334 on the outer surfaceof the isolation sleeve are positioned and capable of forming a sealbetween the upper seal 338 and the smooth bore in the upper sealingsection of the bore 278 and between the lower seal 334 and the smoothbore of the lower sealing section of the bore 278, the seals 338, 334being positioned on the isolation sleeve 267 to permit sealing of theinlet section of the WCM to prevent passage of fluid through the inletsection when the isolation sleeve 276 is present and secured within thewet connect mandrel bore 278.

Referring now also to FIGS. 5-7 , there is shown an ACP connectorsection 200 in the ACP 102, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.11105160. Housed within the ACP connector section 200 is the permanentdownhole electrical connector assembly 202. This assembly 202 furthercomprises a field connector assembly/receptacle 204 (with housing 250)at one end and a wet mate connector 206 (with electrode housing 218)interconnected by one or more tubing enclosed leads/cables 210 (210 a,210 b, 210 c) (wire inside of a tube)(e.g., TEC, etc. known in the art).The electrical connector assembly 202 further comprises abellows/accumulator system 208 shown here attached as part of the wetmate connector 206.

The completion tubing 102 further comprises a field connector plug 212capable of receiving the field connector receptacle 204 end of thepermanent downhole electrical connector assembly 202 to complete anelectrical connection between the ACP connector system 200 and the ESPcable 110 on the upper production tubing section 114. The power leadcable 214 can extend up to the surface or to other part of the tubingstring, e.g., cable 110 in FIG. 1 . Cable 214 can be for power, signal,or other control line wire to surface. FIG. 5 shows the ACP connectionsection 200 without any ESP retrievable system 300 therein. FIG. 6 showsthe ACP connection section 200 with an ESP retrievable system thereinjust prior to being connected, and FIG. 7 shows the connection made asin FIG. 3 .

Option 1: Existing Method of Electrical Testing With the RetrievableAssembly Installed

Referring again to FIG. 3 , currently, a method of monitoring cableintegrity and motor condition may be performed during the permanentcompletion installation using the standard retrievable ESP system 300.Referring again to FIG. 2 , there is shown a retrievable ESP assembly300 connected to the permanent downhole ACP connector section 200 viapermanent downhole electrical connector assembly 202. The retrievableassembly is connected to the permanent downhole connector while thepermanent completion is still close to the surface (usually at depths upto 1000 ft) and both completions are deployed to the desired depth.During the run in hole (RIH), electrical measurements (conductorresistance and insulation resistance) are taken every 500-1000 ft untilthe final depth is reached. In a majority of cases, at this point thesystem is commissioned and it becomes operational shortly thereafter. Inother cases, where the pump operation is planned for a later date, theretrievable assembly 300 is disconnected from the permanent downholeconnector 200 and removed from the well. When the retrievable assemblyis disconnected, the ESP cable conductor resistance cannot be measuredany longer.

This embodiment provides for an electrical testing method for a throughtubing deployed ESP. It further provides for monitoring of the ESP cableconductor continuity/resistance and permanent downhole connector systeminsulation resistance while RIH, using the retrievable system 300.Additionally, this method provides for testing of the mechanicallatching of the retrievable system 300 onto the permanent completionclose to surface or at depth. In this embodiment, the ESP system may bewireline deployable. This testing method does not require additionalchanges to be made to the permanent completion and is thus compatiblewith existing permanent completions.

Option 2: Electrical Testing With a Custom Test Plug Arm Installed

For applications where the retrievable assembly with ESP motor may needto be installed at a later date, a custom-built retrievable plug armassembly is disclosed for performing the electrical testing of thepermanent completion during RIH (in place of the standard retrievableESP assembly 300). This tool is a simplified version of the retrievablecompletion, incorporating a customized, oil filled, pressure compensatedplug head assembly. The motor is not included in this custom plug armassembly; therefore, the plug head comprises the common connectionbetween all three phases (star point). The custom plug arm assembly canbe further tailored into two variants: without or with pressureisolation of the permanent downhole wet connector.

Custom test plug arm without pressure isolation of the permanentdownhole wet connector. Referring now to FIGS. 8-12 and 22A, 22B (inconnection with the discussion of FIGS. 2-7 ), for applications wherethe retrievable assembly 300 with ESP motor 312 may need to be installedat a later date, a custom-built retrievable plug arm assembly 320 isdisclosed for performing the electrical testing of the permanentcompletion during RIH (in place of the standard retrievable ESP assembly300) without pressure isolation. The customized plug arm assembly 320(FIG. 9 ) is a simplified version of the retrievable assembly 300 (FIG.3 ) that incorporates a customized, oil filled, and pressure compensatedplug head assembly 324. A motor is not installed in this custom plug armassembly 320, therefore the plug head comprises the common connectionbetween all three phases (star point)(as discussed further below). FIG.10 depicts the custom-built retrievable test plug arm assembly 324 shownin FIG. 9 . FIG. 11 depicts close up area 11 of FIG. 10 . FIG. 12 is across-sectional view taken along lines 12-12 of FIG. 11 . FIG. 22A showsa top view of a connector system employing a bellows accumulator 208(with some partial cross-sectional views) with starpoint connectionshown in a disconnected state just prior to being connected to, e.g., acustom-built retrievable test plug arm assembly 324. FIG. 22B shows atop view of the connector system of FIG. 22A (with some partialcross-sectional views) such as generally shown in lines 21B-21B of FIG.7 with the starpoint connection shown in a connected state after beingconnected to a custom-built retrievable test plug arm assembly 324.

The custom-built retrievable plug arm assembly 320 generally comprises atest plug arm body 326, plug arm assembly hook 360 (serving as amounting hook for the plug arm assembly), test female connector mainbody 362, plug arm front plate 366, test plug arm collar 328, a testfemale connector assembly 324, and a plug arm orienting section 302. Theplug arm front plate 336 is outfitted with female connector sockets 364that are protected with spring loaded retractable pins 380 (with springs381) which serve to protect the female contact block 378 of the femalewet connect. A bypass line 330 extends along the test plug arm body 326.When using the custom plug arm assembly 320 without pressure isolation,the orienting section/motor guide 302 and standard (e.g., 4.0″)finishing neck are connected to the plug arm, thus making this unitwireline deployable. When deployed inside the annular connection port(ACP) and connected to the permanent downhole wet mate connector,wellbore fluid will completely cover the plug arm and the permanentdownhole wet connector. The cable continuity/conductor resistancebetween two phases and the cable insulation resistance of all phases canbe monitored during installation. The custom plug arm assembly can beremoved using standard wireline equipment.

The custom-built retrievable female test plug arm assembly 324 iscapable of receiving the wet mate connector electrode(s) (permanentdownhole connector electrode(s)) 238 on the permanent downhole connectorassembly 202. Each electrode 238 has an electrode contact area 270 whichprovides the electrical connection to the corresponding female connectorelectrical contact band 388 once the connection is made. In a typicalexample, the wet mate connector will have three electrodes, each ofwhich will be received into a corresponding female connection socket 364extending inwardly into the connector main body 362 through the plug armfront plate 366. The wet mate connector electrode 238 is a permanentdownhole electrical connector wet mate electrode, which connects with324 (Plug head) during downhole deployment. The wet mate connectorelectrode cone end 238 a is a self-centering connection end of the wetmate connector electrode 238, and provides a first area of contactbetween wet mate connector electrode 238 and the female connector socket364.

Female connector socket seals or sealing elements (such as O-ring seals)372 provide sealing of the test plug head female connector sockets 364from, e.g., wellbore fluid 348, which has a well bore hydrostaticpressure P_(w), e.g., the downhole pressure generated by the column offluid above the permanent downhole connector system.

The test female connector main body 362 is a custom designed mainhousing for the female downhole wet connect, for the contact block 378(star point) and for a self-contained pressure balance and oil expansioncompensator. Spring-loaded pistons or retractable pins 380 occupy thefemale connection socket area (as sealed by seals 372) when thecustom-built retrievable female test plug arm assembly 324 is in itsdisconnected state and are maintained in place by the force of springs381. When the custom-built retrievable female test plug arm assembly 324is connected to the permanent downhole electrical connector assembly202, the corresponding wet mate connector electrode(s) 238 on thepermanent downhole connector assembly 202 move the correspondingspring-loaded pins 380 inwardly to permit the electrode contact area 270to make contact with the contact band 388 located within the starpointconnection block 378.

The starpoint connection block 378 comprises female connection sockets364 extending therethrough, one for each electrode, three being shownhere. Lining or partially lining the connection sockets of the starpointconnection block 378 are cylindrical electrode contact bands 388positioned such that when the wet met electrodes 238 are connectedtherein, the electrode contact band 270 is aligned with thecorresponding starpoint block electrode contact bands. The starpointcontact block is surrounded by a contact block inner insulator 374 andouter insulator 376, installed in an overlapping fashion. The starpointcontact block 378 and insulation layers 374, 376 are contained within astarpoint contact block chamber 385 located within the test femaleconnector main body 364.

The starpoint contact block inner chamber 385 is filled with adielectric fluid 386 maintained at a compensated pressure Pi through theaction of a test plug head compensator system 367. The test plug headcompensator system 367 comprises a cylindrical chamber having a firstend 382 exposed to wellbore fluid at pressure P_(w), and a second end384 comprising a compensator piston inner cylindrical chamber filledwith dielectric fluid 386 at a compensated pressure Pi. The innercylindrical chamber 384 second end is in fluid communication (viapassage 384 a) with the starpoint contact block inner chamber 385.Contained within the test plug head compensator system cylinder, betweenends 384 and 384 is a test plug head compensator piston 368 having seals(e.g., O-ring seals) at opposed ends to prevent intrusion of wellborefluid 348 from entering chamber 384 (and to maintain the dielectricfluid within chamber 384). As wellbore fluid pressure P_(w) increases,the piston 368 is urged toward the second end 384 thereby increasing thedielectric fluid pressure Pi at a pressure greater than the wellborefluid pressure to prevent wellbore fluid intrusion into the area of theelectrical contact band 388. As will be understood from the drawings,the dielectric fluid also resides around the retractable pin (as sealedby seals 372) and the compensated dielectric fluid pressure also servesto prevent wellbore intrusion across seals 372.

Custom test plug arm with pressure isolation of the permanent downholewet connector. Referring now to FIGS. 13-17 in connection with the priorfigures, there is shown a custom test plug arm assembly 332 used withpressure isolation of the permanent downhole wet connector.

The custom plug arm with the pressure isolation (FIG. 13 ) is mainlyused in an inline permanent completion flow configuration, for exampleto set a packer below the ESP. The custom plug arm provides highpressures sealing inside the connection port, below and above of thepermanent downhole wet connector. The sealing is achieved using packingstacks 338, 334 installed on the custom plug arm assembly. The ACPcollet profile polished bore 342 is proximate the position of the colletlatch 340. The ACP upper polished bore 344 provides a surface forsealing with the upper packing seal 338. The ACP lower polished bore 346provides a surface for sealing with the lower packing seal 334. Theupper isolation packing or seal 338 is installed on the upper end of thebody 326 followed by the collet latch. A lower isolation packing spacertube 336 is installed to the lower end of the test female connectorassembly 324, and the lower isolation packing or seal 334 is attached tothe end of the spacer tube 336 at the lower end of the test plug armassembly 332. These seal in both existing polished bores of theconnection port (ACP) 102. The well bore fluid communication across thecustom plug arm assembly is achieved through bypass lines 330. No fluidcan enter the permanent downhole wet connector area. The installation ofthis plug arm configuration must be performed in the workshop or atsurface prior to RIH of the permanent completion. When installed andRIH, the well bore fluid 348 is typically at an over pressure P_(o),e.g., the well bore pressure when hydraulic pressure is applied fromsurface to operate downhole equipment. The well bore over pressure isusually higher than the hydrostatic pressure P_(w). In this embodiment,well bore fluid 348 is permitted to flow into a bypass fluid path 350and then into via bypass lines 330 connected to the bypass fluid pathby, e.g., Swagelok type tube fittings 352. The seals 338, 334 create anisolated well bore fluid path 354 containing well bore fluid 348 atpressure P_(w). The cable continuity/conductor resistance between twophases and the cable insulation resistance of all phases can bemonitored during installation. The custom plug arm assembly 332 can beremoved using standard wireline equipment.

Option 3: Electrical Testing Through a Built in Star-point in thePermanent Downhole Wet Mate Connector

Testing of the permanent downhole connector electrical system can bealso achieved without the use of a retrievable tool, such as aretrievable ESP or a custom retrievable test plug arm installed with orwithout pressure isolation as described above. In this case, only thecondition of the ESP cable and the permanent downhole connectorelectrical system can be monitored.

Referring now to FIGS. 18-25 , there is shown a modified permanentdownhole electrical connector assembly 202 much like the electricalconnector assembly 202 described in U.S. Pat. No. 11105160. As shown inFIG. 18 , this connector assembly 202 comprises a wet mate connector 206having connected at its first end a retractable electrode housing 218,and at its opposite end the housing manifold 216. The wet mate connector206 generally comprises housing manifold 216 for maintaining one or moreconnections, and electrode housing 218, lead/cable connections 220(metal to metal seal preferred). Compression nut metal-metal seals 220provide the required compression for sealing the connection to insulatorcables 252 a, 252 b, 252 c (shown here as a three-phase connector). Thedifference, however, resides within the electrode housing slider 218. Inthis embodiment, the electrode housing slider 218, in its firstposition, provides continuous electrical contact between the phases(multiple phases) when no retrievable assembly is in place, in otherwords, it acts as a star point. The star point is a technical term for acommon connection point of a number of parallel phases.

In this embodiment, the testable permanent downhole wet mate connectorstar point consists of a common conductor between the three phases,three individual spring-loaded electrical contact bands in contact withthe common conductor element and the contact area of the individual wetconnector electrodes, the insulator housing protecting the electricalcomponents and the sealing elements to provide the barrier between thewell bore fluid and the clean dielectric fluid in the contact area. Thisarrangement provides the means of measuring the conductor resistancebetween two phases through the cable conductor from the surface whileRIH, at the set depth or when POOH. When the retrievable system isdeployed, the wet mate connector slider 218 is pushed away to its secondposition (away from the electrical contact area of the electrodes), bythe plug head of the retrievable section, and with it, the commonconductor element (common electrical contact block) 268 too. The commonconnection point 268 is therefore temporarily deactivated. When theretrievable assembly is removed and the plug head is disconnected, thepermanent downhole wet mate connector slider cover 218 returns to itsoriginal position due to the spring force, thus the common conductorelement 268 re-engages with the wet mate connector phase electrodecontact area 270, reactivating the common connection point. This deviceallows testing of the permanent downhole electrical connector systembefore, between and after each pull of the retrievable completion.

Referring now to FIG. 19 , there is shown the connector system 202 ofFIG. 18 with its housing 218 removed (for ease of viewing) shown in itsfirst position (with no retrievable section plug head engaged). There isfurther shown a partial cross-sectional view removing the top half ofthe contact block insulator housing 264 (for ease of viewing). FIG. 20Ashows a top view of the connector system of FIG. 18 with its housing 218removed (for ease of viewing). FIG. 20B shows a top view of theconnector system of FIG. 20A further with the top half of the electricalblock band contact 266 removed (for ease of viewing) and with the commonelectrical contact block 268 removed (for ease of viewing). FIG. 20Cshows a top view of the connector system of FIG. 19 . As shown, each wetmate connector electrode (permanent downhole connector electrode) 238(with its respective electrode contact area 270) remains fixed in place.The electrodes 238 extend through a common electrical contact block 268(the starpoint) with electrical block band contacts 266 aligned, in thisfirst position, over the electrode contact areas 270. The contact block268 is housed within an insulator housing 264, and each electrode issealed by o-ring seals 272 (on each side of the electrode contact area)mounted within corresponding grooves in the housing 264. The contactblock insulator housing is mounted on a pin slider 219 that can be movedinwardly against the force of the springs 274 when connecting aretrievable unit. The seals 272 prevent wellbore fluid intrusion thatcould cause a short-to-ground which would interfere with otherwisedetecting any continuity change in the cables. The connectors 202 shownin FIGS. 19, 20A, 20B, 20C are shown without a bellows compensationsystem 208, but could certainly employ such system 208 if desired.

The common electrical contact block 268 (starpoint) creates, in thisfirst position, contact across all electrode contact areas 270 so thatelectrical continuity/integrity of the three-phase cable can bemonitored. These drawings depict a three-phase cable, but theseteachings could be employed with 2 or more cables.

Referring now to FIGS. 21A and 21B, there is shown a connection beingmade between the modified connector 201 and a retrievable unit 300. Theconnector 201 is shown using a bellows compensation system 208. FIG. 21Ashows a top view of the connector system of FIG. 20A (with some partialcross-sectional views) such as generally shown in lines 21A-21A of FIG.7 with starpoint connection shown in a disconnected state (firstposition) just prior to being connected to a female wet connect assemblyor plug head assembly. FIG. 21B shows a top view of the connector systemof FIG. 21A (with some partial cross-sectional views) with the starpointconnection shown in a connected state (second position) after beingconnected to a female wet connect assembly or plug head assembly. Aswill be shown, during the connection process, the common electricalcontact block 268 has been moved to its second position by virtue of thepin slider being pushed inwardly (against the springs 274) to move thecontact block 268 to a neutral position. In this second position, thecommon electrical contact block 268 no longer contacts the electrodecontact areas 270, and the electrodes have now entered the femaleconnector sockets 364 and engaged with the electrical contact bands 358in the female wet connector electrical contact block 356 of theretrievable unit. When the retrievable unit 300 is later removed, theforce of the springs 274 urges the common electrical contact block 268back to its first position where it can again serve to create contactacross all electrode contact areas 270 to permit further monitoring ofthe cable continuity.

As will be understood by those having the benefit of the presentdisclosure, the permanent downhole electrical connector assemblies 202can also include the fluid compensation features taught in U.S. Pat. No.11105160. For example, referring to FIGS. 23-26 , the electricalconnector assembly 202 and its wet mate connector 206 further comprisesa bellows/accumulator system 208 shown here attached as part of the wetmate connector 206. The bellows/accumulator system 208 further comprisesa bellows first end 208 a, a bellows second end 208 b, a bellows annularhousing 208 c, a bellows internal annular wall 208 d defining a bellowsinternal annual chamber 208 j, a flexible sealing element 208 e havingan open fixed end 208 f and a movable, closed end 208 g, a movable endcap 208 h for sealing the bellow, a bellows flexible sealing elementinternal cavity 208 i for receiving wellbore fluid through open end 208f, a bellows annual chamber 208 j, a connection 208 k of bellows to thewet mate connector, and an annular connection orifice 2081.

In one embodiment, the bellows could be modified to serve to increasethe pressure of the internal dielectric fluid (Pi) to maintain Pigreater than the wellbore pressure (P_(w)). In another embodiment, eachconduit that receives a dielectric fluid could have its own bellows. Inother embodiments, two or more conduits could share a common bellows.

The wet mate connector 206 generally comprises housing manifold 216 formaintaining one or more connections, and electrode housing 218,lead/cable connections 220 (metal to metal seal preferred). Compressionnut metal-metal seals 220 a, 220 b, 220 c provide the requiredcompression for sealing elements 220 b in order to form the metal-metalsealing. Metal-metal sealing element 220 b serves as a primarymetal-metal seal, installed on tubing 210 a,b,c, in housing 216 andconnections 220 to provide the barrier between the manifold interiorspace 230 filled with dielectric fluid/oil 226 and the well bore fluid228 in the manifold 242. A permanent downhole connection test seal 220 c(elastomeric seal) provides the sealing for field pressure testing ofconnection 220.

The bellows 208 is connected to housing manifold 216 via bellowsconnection 222. A dielectric fluid port 224 is provided for charging thesystem at surface with dielectric fluid 226. These connections areexposed on the outside to wellbore fluid 228 which exerts a wellborehydrostatic pressure P_(w) (the downhole pressure generated by thecolumn of fluid above the permanent downhole connector system).Atmospheric or ambient air pressure is indicated as P_(a) herein.

Connection manifold 216 further comprises manifold interior space 230(filled with dielectric fluid 226 at an internal connector pressure Pi(the pressure generated by the bellow compensator system 208 inside thepermanent downhole connector system 202 and field connector plug 212when connected to assembly 202). Flow pathway 232 provides interiorspace and back side of all connections in fluid communication with eachother and with dielectric fluid.

A wet mate connector electrode sealing element 244 serves as the primaryelastomeric seal, installed on the wet mate electrode 238 and insidehousing 216. The seal 244 provides the barrier between the manifoldinterior space 230 filled with dielectric oil 226 and the well borefluid 228. The lead/cable connections 220 are typically threaded 246,with various thread types (parallel, NPT, other) being possible. A fieldconnector receptacle check valve assembly 248 provides the sealing ofthe pressure compensated dielectric fluid 226, at the field connectorreceptacle end 204 (opposite end to the bellows assembly 208).

As illustrated, each cable further comprises a cable annular space 234.Permanent downhole connector electrical power lead 236 connects the wetmate connector electrode 238 to the field connector receptacle contactpin 264. Permanent downhole connector electrical power lead overmold 236a is present over the termination between the permanent downholeconnector electrical power lead 236 and the wet mate connector electrode238.

A permanent downhole connector pressure test orifice 240 serves as apressure port for field testing of connections 220. The permanentdownhole connector pressure test manifold 242 provides apathway/manifold for wellbore fluid 228 to provide communication withone or more sealing connections 220 on tubing 210 and to allow fieldpressure testing through port 240.

In case of the requirement for pressure isolation of the permanentdownhole electrical connector system during deployment, this testablewet mate connector option can be used in conjunction with a standardisolation sleeve assembly such as that provided by AccessESP. Referringto FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, the permanent downhole electricalconnector assembly 202 would be modified according to the teachingsherein regarding FIGS. 18-26 .

Option 4: Electrical Testing Through the Fusible Link Incorporated Intothe Permanent Downhole Connector

Referring now to FIGS. 27-29 , there is shown a modified permanentdownhole electrical connector assembly 202 a shown with part of housingmanifold 216 removed for ease of viewing, further comprising a fusibleelement 256 a, 256 b connected by contact elements 254 a, 254 b, 254 cbetween two phases, e.g., exposed lengths 258 a, 258 b, 258 c of cables252 a, 252 b, 252 c that are connected to the permanent downholeconnector wire conductor, such that it provides a common connectionpoint (star point) for all phases (three phases shown here). The fusibleelements 256 a-b and contact elements 254 a-c are housed within aninsulating carrier 251 made from an insulating material that sits withinhousing manifold 216. Testing of the cable conductor continuity andresistance between phases and the insulation resistance of the systemcan be performed while RIH and at the set depth. This fusible link canbe configured, such that when the motor is operated, the amount ofcurrent flowing through the conductors will melt the fusible element(s)256 a, 256 b, thus breaking the continuity between the phases. After thelinkage is broken, the common connection point in the permanentcompletion is permanently deactivated. This device does not allowre-testing of the ESP cable after the retrievable assembly is pulled.

In case of the requirement for pressure isolation of the permanentdownhole electrical connector system during deployment, this testablewet mate connector option can be used in conjunction with a standardisolation sleeve assembly such as that provided by AccessESP. Referringto FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, the permanent downhole electricalconnector assembly 202 would be modified according to the teachingsherein regarding FIGS. 27-29 .

Options 1 and 2 described above provide the following features: Commonelectrical testing method for a through tubing deployed ESP; Monitoringof the ESP cable conductor continuity/resistance and permanent downholeconnector system insulation resistance while RIH, using the retrievablesystem (option 1) or a custom plug arm (option 2); Testing of themechanical latching of the retrievable onto the permanent completionclose to surface or at depth; Pressure isolation possible with thecustom test plug arm; Wireline deployable; Does not require additionalchanges of the permanent completion thus compatible with existingpermanent completions.

Options 3 and 4 described above provide the following features:Electrical testing method for a through tubing deployed ESP, withoutusing the retrievable system or a custom test plug arm; (Option 3 only)Monitoring of the ESP cable conductor continuity/resistance andpermanent downhole connector system insulation resistance while RIH,between pulls and during POOH; Pressure isolation possible withAccessESP standard isolation sleeve; Decrease of deployment time asthere is no need for wireline runs; Cost savings for equipment andinstallation.

In one or more embodiments, a periodic report is generated based on thetested downhole electrical cable installation. The periodic report maybe transmitted to a computer system associated with the permanentcompletion. The periodic report may be associated with a test resultand/or a report of a continuous monitoring activity. The periodic reportmay be used to analyze one or more metrics associated with a permanentdownhole connector system during installation. The periodic report maybe transmitted over Internet protocol communication to a remote locationto allow remote monitoring of the installation.

Although it is envisioned that the cable system could be charged withdielectric fluid along the entire production tubing string to surface,in a preferred embodiment, dielectric fluid compensation is provided upto a packer or other equipment in the upper production string.

It will also be understood that the cable tubing could incorporate otherbiphase conduits, e.g., downhole pressure sensor wires, downholehydraulic conduit, or downhole gauges.

While the apparatus and methods of this invention have been described interms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill inthe art that variations may be applied to the process and systemdescribed herein without departing from the concept and scope of theinvention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent tothose skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scope and conceptof the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that themethod and apparatus of the present invention has many applications, andthat the present invention is not limited to the representative examplesdisclosed herein. Moreover, the scope of the present invention coversconventionally known variations and modifications to the systemcomponents described herein, as would be known by those skilled in theart. While the apparatus and methods of this invention have beendescribed in terms of preferred or illustrative embodiments, it will beapparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied tothe process described herein without departing from the concept andscope of the invention. All such similar substitutes and modificationsapparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the scopeand concept of the invention as it is set out in the following claims.

We claim:
 1. A wet mate electrical connector for installation on adownhole permanent completion assembly, the wet mate electricalconnector capable of connecting to a retrievable tool female connector,the wet mate electrical connector further comprising: a. a housingmanifold having a first closed end, a second open end, an interiorchamber, and interior guide tracks extending perpendicularly from thehousing manifold second open end into the interior chamber; b. two ormore electrodes contained within the housing manifold, each of the twoor more electrodes defining a phase and further comprising an outersurface, a first electrode end proximate the housing manifold first endand connectable, via a power lead connection located in the housingmanifold first end, to a separate electrical power lead extending from asurface electrical power source, a second electrode end sectionextending out of the housing manifold second end, the second electrodeend section containing an electrical contact band located around theelectrode outer surface, the electrical contact band capable oftransmitting electrical signals to a corresponding retrievable toolfemale connector electrical contact band in the retrievable tool femaleconnector once connected thereto; c. a retractable electrode housinghaving a first end slidably connected to and extending into the housingmanifold second end and a second retractable electrode housing endextending out of the housing manifold to cover the two or moreelectrodes, the retractable electrode housing further comprising one ormore guide tracks slidably connected to the housing manifold interiorguide tracks to guide the movement of the retractable electrode housingwithin the housing manifold, the retractable electrode housing capableof moving between a first closed position covering the two or moreelectrodes, and a second open position when retracted into the housingmanifold, the retractable electrode housing second end having anelectrode end face comprising two or more electrode end face aperturedopenings permitting the two or more electrode second end sections toextend therethrough when the retractable electrode housing movesinwardly into the second, open position within the housing manifold, theretractable electrode housing further comprising a shoulder stop capableof abutting a mechanical stop built into the housing manifold to set afixed position for the first closed position of the retractableelectrode housing; and d. an electrical bridge contact assemblyelectrically connecting each of the two or more electrodes to permitmonitoring for any change in continuity of the separate electrical powerlead of each of the two or more electrodes once connected to therespective power lead connection until current is applied through eachof the separate power leads, the electrical bridge contact assemblycapable of being disabled.
 2. The wet mate electrical connector of claim2 wherein the electrical bridge contact assembly further comprises: i. aslidable metal common connection starpoint contact block mounted withinthe retractable electrode housing and having two or more starpointcontact block apertured openings permitting the two or more electrodesecond end sections to extend therethrough, the slidable metal commonconnection starpoint contact block capable of occupying a first positioncontacting at least a part of the electrical contact band of each of thetwo or more electrodes to create the bridge contact across theelectrical contact band of each of the two or more electrodes when theretractable electrode housing is in its first position covering the twoor more electrodes, the slidable metal common connection starpointcontact block capable of occupying a second retracted position withinthe retractable electrode housing not contacting any part of theelectrical contact band of each of the two or more electrodes todisconnect the bridge contact across all of the two or more electrodes,when the retractable electrode housing is in its second, retractedposition; ii. an insulated cover surrounding and secured to the slidablemetal common connection starpoint contact block, and further comprisinga corresponding two or more insulated cover apertured openings alignedwith the slidable metal common connection starpoint contact blockapertured openings to permit the two or more electrodes to passtherethrough, two or more sealing elements positioned on both sides ofthe electrical contact band of each of the two or more electrodes toseal off the area of the electrical contact band of each of the two ormore electrodes from intrusion by a wellbore fluid; and iii. a springmounted over each of the two or more electrodes, positioned between theinsulated cover and the housing manifold first closed end, the springtensioned to maintain the retractable electrode housing in its firstclosed position in the absence of a connection being made with theretrievable tool female connector, and to permit the retractableelectrode housing to be moved to its second open position when aconnection is made with the retrievable tool female connector; whereinwhen the retractable electrode housing is in its first closed positionin the absence of a connection being made with the retrievable toolfemale connector, the slidable metal common connection starpoint contactblock occupies its first position permitting common contact across theelectrical contact band of each of the two or more electrodes to permitmonitoring for any change in continuity of the separate electrical powerlead of each of the two or more electrodes once connected to therespective power lead connection for each of the two or more electrodes;wherein when the retrievable tool female connector is connected to thewet mate connector, the retractable electrode housing is moved to itssecond open position, the slidable metal common connection starpointcontact block is moved to its second position, and the electricalcontact band of each of the two or more electrodes is permitted to makeelectrical contact with the corresponding retrievable tool femaleconnector electrical contact band in the retrievable tool femaleconnector; and wherein, when the retrievable tool female connector isdisconnected from the wet mate connector, the retractable electrodehousing is moved back to its first closed position, the slidable metalcommon connection starpoint contact block again occupies its firstposition permitting common contact across the contact band of each ofthe two or more electrodes to again permit monitoring for any change incontinuity of the separate electrical power lead of each of the two ormore electrodes once connected to the respective power lead connectionfor each of the two or more electrodes.
 3. The wet mate connection ofclaim 1 further comprising fluid compensation with dielectric fluidwithin to further prevent wellbore fluid intrusion.
 4. The wet mateconnection of claim 3 further comprising: a. a first inside chamberwithin the housing manifold; b. a second inside chamber with theretractable electrode housing; c. two or more electrical conduits havingan internal annular space surrounding an electrical cable, a firstconduit end and a second conduit end, the first conduit end beingconnected to the power lead connection of a corresponding one of the twoor more electrodes in the housing manifold first end, wherein theinternal annular space is in fluid communication with the housingmanifold first inside chamber and the retractable electrode housingsecond inside chamber and defining a fluid flow path; d. a dielectricfluid port in fluid communication with the first inside chamber withinthe housing manifold for introducing the dielectric fluid into the fluidpath, the dielectric fluid creating an internal fluid pressure; and e. abellows having first and second ends, and an interior annular chamber,the first bellows end being connected to the connector housing in fluidcommunication with the housing inside chamber, the bellows second endbeing exposed to downhole wellbore fluid pressure and capable ofreacting to the wellbore pressure to cause the bellows to provide acompensating adjustment to the internal fluid pressure.
 5. The wet mateelectrical connector of claim 1 installed on a downhole permanentcompletion assembly.
 6. The downhole permanent completion assembly ofclaim 5 wherein the retrievable tool female connector is a retrievableelectric submersible pump (ESP) assembly capable of connecting to thewet mate electrical connector.
 7. The wet mate electrical connector ofclaim 1 wherein the two or more electrodes comprises three electrodes;the two or more electrode end face apertured openings comprises threeend face apertured openings; the two or more electrode second endsections comprises three electrode second end sections; the two or morestarpoint contact block apertured openings comprises three starpointcontact block apertured openings; and the two or more insulated coverapertured openings comprises three insulated cover apertured openings.8. The wet mate electrical connector of claim 1 wherein the electricalbridge contact assembly further comprises: i. a spring mounted over eachof the two or more electrodes, positioned between the insulated coverand the housing manifold first closed end, the spring tensioned tomaintain the retractable electrode housing in its first closed positionin the absence of a connection being made with the retrievable toolfemale connector, and to permit the retractable electrode housing to bemoved to its second open position when a connection is made with theretrievable tool female connector; ii. one or more fusible linkselectrically connected across each of the two or more electrodes withinthe housing manifold, the one or more fusible links forming a starpointconnection across all of the two or more electrodes, the one or morefusible links capable of melting away once current is applied to the twoor more electrodes, the one or more fusible links housed within aninsulated carrier; wherein when the retrievable tool female connector isconnected to the wet mate electrical connector, the retractableelectrode housing is moved to its second open position, and theelectrical contact band of each of the two or more electrodes ispermitted to make electrical contact with corresponding one or moreelectrical contact bands in the retrievable tool female connector; andwherein the one or more fusible links, while intact, create anelectrical bridge permitting common contact across the electricalcontact band of each of the two or more electrodes to permit monitoringfor any change in continuity of the separate electrical power lead ofeach of the two or more electrodes once connected to the respectivepower lead connection until current is applied through the separateelectrical power lead of each of the two or more electrodes.
 9. A methodof monitoring for any change in continuity in electrical power leadsconnected to a wet mate electrical connector on a downhole permanentcompletion comprising the steps of: a. installing the wet mateelectrical connector on the downhole permanent completion, the wet mateelectrical connector capable of connecting to a retrievable tool femaleconnector and further comprising i. a housing manifold having a firstclosed end, a second open end, an interior chamber, and interior guidetracks extending perpendicularly from the housing manifold second openend into the interior chamber; ii. two or more electrodes containedwithin the housing manifold, each of the two or more electrodes defininga phase and further comprising an outer surface, a first electrode endproximate the housing manifold first end and connectable, via a powerlead connection located in the housing manifold first end, to a separateelectrical power lead extending from a surface electrical power source,a second electrode end section extending out of the housing manifoldsecond end, the second electrode end section containing an electricalcontact band located around the electrode outer surface, the electricalcontact band capable of transmitting electrical signals to acorresponding retrievable tool female connector electrical contact bandin the retrievable tool female connector once connected thereto; iii. aretractable electrode housing having a first end slidably connected toand extending into the housing manifold second end and a secondretractable electrode housing end extending out of the housing manifoldto cover the two or more electrodes, the retractable electrode housingfurther comprising one or more guide tracks slidably connected to thehousing manifold interior guide tracks to guide the movement of theretractable electrode housing within the housing manifold, theretractable electrode housing capable of moving between a first closedposition covering the two or more electrodes, and a second open positionwhen retracted into the housing manifold, the retractable electrodehousing second end having an electrode end face comprising two or moreelectrode end face apertured openings permitting the two or moreelectrode second end sections to extend therethrough when theretractable electrode housing moves inwardly into the second, openposition within the housing manifold, the retractable electrode housingfurther comprising a shoulder stop capable of abutting a mechanical stopbuilt into the housing manifold to set a fixed position for the firstclosed position of the retractable electrode housing; and iv. anelectrical bridge contact assembly electrically connecting each of thetwo or more electrodes to permit monitoring for any change in continuityof the separate electrical power lead of each of the two or moreelectrodes once connected to the respective power lead connection untilcurrent is applied through each of the separate power leads, theelectrical bridge contact assembly capable of being disabled; b. runningthe permanent completion in hole (RIH); c. measuring conductorresistance between the respective phase of two of the two or moreelectrodes through the separate electrical power lead of each of therespective two of the two or more electrodes from the surface while RIHwhile the electrical bridge is enabled; d. measuring the conductorresistance between the respective phase of two of the two or moreelectrodes through the separate electrical power lead of each of therespective two of the two or more electrodes from the surface at a setdepth while the electrical bridge is enabled; and e. measuring theconductor resistance between the respective phase of two of the two ormore electrodes through the separate electrical power lead of each ofthe respective two of the two or more electrodes from the surface whenpulling out of hole (POOH) while the electrical bridge is enabled. 10.The method of claim 9 wherein the wet mate electrical connector isinstalled on a downhole permanent completion assembly.
 11. The method ofclaim 10 wherein the retrievable tool female connector is a retrievableelectric submersible pump (ESP) assembly capable of connecting to thewet mate electrical connector.
 12. The method of claim 9 wherein theretrievable tool is a retrievable electrical submersible pump (ESP)assembly.
 13. The method of claim 12 comprising the further steps ofconnecting the retrievable ESP assembly thereby moving the slidablemetal common connection starpoint contact block to its second positionand discontinuing such measuring of conductor resistance.
 14. The methodof claim 13 comprising the further steps of disconnecting theretrievable ESP assembly thereby moving the slidable metal commonconnection starpoint contact block to its first position and continuingmeasuring of conductor resistance.
 15. The method of claim 9 furthercomprising the step of providing the wet mate connection with fluidcompensation to further prevent well bore fluid intrusion.
 16. Themethod of claim 15 wherein the wet mate connection further comprises: a.a first inside chamber within the housing manifold; b. a second insidechamber with the retractable electrode housing; c. one or moreelectrical conduits having an internal annular space surrounding anelectrical wire/cable, a first conduit end and a second conduit end, thefirst conduit end being connected to one of the one or more power leadconnections located in the housing manifold, wherein the conduit annularspace is in fluid communication with the housing manifold first insidechamber and the retractable electrode housing second inside chamber anddefining a fluid flow path; d. a dielectric fluid port in fluidcommunication with the first inside chamber within the housing manifoldfor introducing a dielectric fluid into the fluid path, the dielectricfluid creating an internal fluid pressure; and e. a bellows having firstand second ends, and an interior annular chamber, the first bellows endbeing connected to the connector housing in fluid communication with thehousing inside chamber, the bellows second end being exposed to downholewellbore fluid pressure and capable of reacting to the wellbore pressureto cause the bellows to provide a compensating adjustment to theinternal fluid pressure.
 17. The method of claim 9 wherein the two ormore electrodes comprises three electrodes; the two or more electrodeend face apertured openings comprises three end face apertured openings;the two or more electrode second end sections comprises three electrodesecond end sections; the two or more starpoint contact block aperturedopenings comprises three starpoint contact block apertured openings; andthe two or more insulated cover apertured openings comprises threeinsulated cover apertured openings.
 18. The method of claim 9 whereinthe electrical bridge contact assembly further comprises: v. a slidablemetal common connection starpoint contact block mounted within theretractable electrode housing and having two or more starpoint contactblock apertured openings permitting the two or more electrode second endsections to extend therethrough, the slidable metal common connectionstarpoint contact block capable of occupying a first position contactingat least a part of the electrical contact band of each of the two ormore electrodes to create the bridge contact across the electricalcontact band of each of the two or more electrodes when the retractableelectrode housing is in its first position covering the two or moreelectrodes, the slidable metal common connection starpoint contact blockcapable of occupying a second retracted position within the retractableelectrode housing not contacting any part of the electrical contact bandof each of the two or more electrodes to disconnect the bridge contactacross all of the two or more electrodes, when the retractable electrodehousing is in its second, retracted position; vi. an insulated coversurrounding and secured to the slidable metal common connectionstarpoint contact block, and further comprising a corresponding two ormore insulated cover apertured openings aligned with the slidable metalcommon connection starpoint contact block apertured openings to permitthe two or more electrodes to pass therethrough, two or more sealingelements positioned on both sides of the electrical contact band of eachof the two or more electrodes to seal off the area of the electricalcontact band of each of the two or more electrodes from intrusion by awellbore fluid; and vii. a spring mounted over each of the two or moreelectrodes, positioned between the insulated cover and the housingmanifold first closed end, the spring tensioned to maintain theretractable electrode housing in its first closed position in theabsence of a connection being made with the retrievable tool femaleconnector, and to permit the retractable electrode housing to be movedto its second open position when a connection is made with theretrievable tool female connector; wherein when the retractableelectrode housing is in its first closed position in the absence of aconnection being made with the retrievable tool female connector, theslidable metal common connection starpoint contact block occupies itsfirst position permitting common contact across the electrical contactband of each of the two or more electrodes to permit monitoring for anychange in continuity of the separate electrical power lead of each ofthe two or more electrodes once connected to the respective power leadconnection for each of the two or more electrodes; wherein when theretrievable tool female connector is connected to the wet mateconnector, the retractable electrode housing is moved to its second openposition, the slidable metal common connection starpoint contact blockis moved to its second position, and the electrical contact band of eachof the two or more electrodes is permitted to make electrical contactwith the corresponding retrievable tool female connector electricalcontact band in the retrievable tool female connector; and wherein, whenthe retrievable tool female connector is disconnected from the wet mateconnector, the retractable electrode housing is moved back to its firstclosed position, the slidable metal common connection starpoint contactblock again occupies its first position permitting common contact acrossthe contact band of each of the two or more electrodes to again permitmonitoring for any change in continuity of the separate electrical powerlead of each of the two or more electrodes once connected to therespective power lead connection for each of the two or more electrodes.19. The method of claim 9 wherein the electrical bridge contact assemblyfurther comprises: v. a spring mounted over each of the two or moreelectrodes, positioned between the insulated cover and the housingmanifold first closed end, the spring tensioned to maintain theretractable electrode housing in its first closed position in theabsence of a connection being made with the retrievable tool femaleconnector, and to permit the retractable electrode housing to be movedto its second open position when a connection is made with theretrievable tool female connector; vi. one or more fusible linkselectrically connected across each of the two or more electrodes withinthe housing manifold, the one or more fusible links forming a starpointconnection across all of the two or more electrodes, the one or morefusible links capable of melting away once current is applied to the twoor more electrodes, the one or more fusible links housed within aninsulated carrier; wherein when the retrievable tool female connector isconnected to the wet mate electrical connector, the retractableelectrode housing is moved to its second open position, and theelectrical contact band of each of the two or more electrodes ispermitted to make electrical contact with corresponding one or moreelectrical contact bands in the retrievable tool female connector; andwherein the one or more fusible links, while intact, create anelectrical bridge permitting common contact across the electricalcontact band of each of the two or more electrodes to permit monitoringfor any change in continuity of the separate electrical power lead ofeach of the two or more electrodes once connected to the respectivepower lead connection until current is applied through the separateelectrical power lead of each of the two or more electrodes.